You must sign-in at the Circulation Desk to use any computer, entering today's date, your name, the time you are signing-in and the number of the computer you are going to use. Children ages 12-18 must also enter their age and a phone number.
For the Primary Computer Station, there are no children allowed in this section, adults over the age 18 only.
The Secondary Computer Station is for adult job seekers and college students 11:00am-3:00pm. Students age 12-18 only after 3:00pm. Students under age 12 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian to use computers. Patrons are not allowed to eat, drink, sleep or loiter while in the library or on library property.

 

Borrowing Privileges:

Patrons are required to present their library card each time material is borrowed.
Patrons are required to sign an application contract.

1. Eligibility:

To get a library card:

A. Driver's License/Picture ID, last 4 digits of Social Security Number
B. Two phone numbers (Home number, work number or a secondary point of contact)
C. Reference person with his/her phone number
D. Proof of current address if Driver's License is not correct

A child, age 8-18, may obtain a library card without the parents having a card. The child must have a parent present with his/her library card or driver's license for proof of address. The only exceptions are with the librarian's or Director's permission.

Any non-resident employed full time or attends a private school within the Union Springs city limits must pay an annual fee of $10.00 to receive a library card with proof from the job/school. There will be a limit of one card per household. For students the child’s name, age and school reference and phone numbers will be noted. Non-residents of Bullock County who do not meet the above criteria must pay an annual fee of $20.00, with a one book limit.

It takes approximately fifteen minutes to obtain a library card. Patrons must come to the circulation desk at least one hour before closing to obtain a library card or replacement card. Library cards will not be issued after 4:30pm.

Replacement library cards: Second Card - $5.00, Third Card - $10.00

New Card: 5 items per resident card holders, 1 item per non-resident card holder
After that, 5 items per resident card holders, 1 item per non-resident card holder

Library cards are renewable. Patron must bring the library card with him/her to have the card renewed (no exceptions).

Report lost or stolen cards to the library immediately.

 

2. Responsibilities of borrowers:

Each library patron is responsible for his/her library card. All library patrons are responsible for any materials he/she use or check out. Materials must be returned in the same condition in which they were borrowed. Each borrower agrees to pay for materials lost or damaged per library card policy contract.

 

3. Library patron records are confidential and will not be shared with anyone.

Circulation

Books are on loan for two weeks. Books may be renewed via phone or in person if requested before the due date. New books may not be renewed. Required reading books by the Bullock County School System may not be checked out.

Number of items loaned: 5 per patron with library card and one book per non-resident patron with library card.

Lost or damaged materials:
Lost books must be paid for per cost listed in the computer. Damaged materials that cannot be returned to the shelf must be paid for per cost listed in the computer. Damaged books that can be returned to the shelf will be assessed by staff for up to half the cost of the book.

Fines and Fees

Overdue items: Books $.05 per day per item, or $1.00 per month per item

New Library Card:
1st card free for City or County resident
$10.00 per year for Non-resident who works or attends a private school in the county
$20.00 per year for Non-resident who does not meet the above criteria

Replacement cards: second $5.00, third $10.00 for residents only

Lost/Damaged Book: price of book

Copies: Adults $.20 per sheet
Students, 12-18 $.10 per sheet
All (non-school year) $.20 per sheet
Color copies: $1.00 per sheet

Fax:
Outgoing: $1.00 for the first sheet and $.50 each additional sheet per fax.
Incoming: $1.00 per sheet

Scan:
$1.00 for the first sheet and $.50 each additional sheet per scan.

*** ALL FEES ARE APPROVED BY THE LIBRARY BOARD.

 

Computer Use

NO CHAT GROUPS.

In order to use the computers available to the public at the Union Springs Public Library the patron must read and agree to the following guidelines.
Use of the computers is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of this privilege. All users of electronic information resources are expected to use these items in a responsible manner, consistent with the educational and informational purposes for which they are provided and to follow these policies and regulations.
Responsible and ethical use of such resources include the following:

1. Using Internet resources for educational, informational, and recreational purposes only. These computer terminals are not to be used for illegal or criminal purposes.

2. Respecting the privacy of others by not misrepresenting oneself as another user; by not seeking unauthorized access to any computer system, or damaging or altering software components of any network or database.

3. Respecting the privacy of others using these terminals at the Union Springs Public Library by not interfering with their use.

4. NO tampering with or changing computer hardware or software.

5. Time limits: 45 minutes if someone is waiting. When all are busy, the next person needing a computer will be put in line for the one occupied the longest. (two computers for adults with small children are available).

Illegal acts involving Library computing resources may also be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities.

Patrons must sign a form at the front desk with the date and time.

Patrons must be willing to pay for all copies

 

Internet Access

Children under the age of 18 must have parental permission to use the Internet. The Union Springs Public Library assumes no responsibility for the use of the Internet by children. The Library uses K9, an Internet filtering device, on all computers. It is set to high filter control on children’s computers. However, it is not possible for library staff to control specific information children or young adults may find on the Internet. Therefore, parents are expected to monitor and supervise their children's use of the Internet.

The misuse or abuse of the Internet access computer will result in the suspension of Internet access privileges. Persons using this equipment agree not to make any changes to the setup or configuration of the software or hardware.

Library staff will assist patrons with Internet use as time permits, but may not be familiar with every application that a person might wish to use. Due to scheduling constraints, there may not be an Internet trained librarian on duty at all times. Because of the many different Internet applications available, we cannot provide complete technical support.

Rules:

1. The access to chat or discussion groups is NOT allowed.

2. Terminals may not be used for profit making activities (i.e. advertising).

3. Computer users shall avoid the sending, receiving, and displaying of text or graphics that may be reasonably construed as obscene and offensive by library staff.

4. Obey the laws and regulations of their application to copyright, licensed software and data.

5. No more than TWO at each work station.

6. The computer station is a QUIET area. No running, crying, or loud talk, please.

7. There is a 45-minute time limit if someone is waiting.

The Director has the right to change or add to this policy as it applies to the Union Springs Public Library, subject to Board approval.

 

Wireless Internet Access

Union Springs Public Library will provide free Internet access for users with wireless devices during normal library business hours. This will allow users to access the Internet from their wireless device when sitting in range of the wireless signal.

Library staff will provide general information on the settings necessary to access the Internet via these connections, but are not responsible for any changes you make to your device’s settings and cannot guarantee your hardware will work with our wireless connection.

If a user has problems accessing the Internet over these connections, staff will verify the Library’s connections are up and running, but they cannot assist in making changes to the user’s network settings or perform any troubleshooting on the user’s own computer. Please refer to your owner’s manual or other support services offered by your device manufacturer.

As with most public wireless “hotspots”, the Library’s wireless connection is not secure. There can be unscrupulous parties between you and anyone you communicate with, and any information being sent or received could potentially be intercepted by another wireless user. Cautious and informed wireless users should choose not to transmit their credit card information, passwords and any other sensitive personal information while using any wireless “hot spot”. Please take appropriate precautions when using this service.

The Library will not be responsible for any information (i.e. credit card) that is compromised, or for any damage caused to your hardware or software due to electric surges, security issues or consequences caused by viruses of hacking. All wireless access users should have up-to-date virus protection on their laptop computers or wireless devices.

Printers are not available via the wireless connection. If you need to print, please save your work to a floppy disk or email files to yourself, then login to a wired library workstation and send jobs to the public printer.

Use of wireless internet is governed by our Computer Use/Internet Policy. All users are expected to use the Library’s wireless access in a legal and responsible manner, consistent with the education and informational purposes for which it is provided. Users may not violate federal, state or local laws, including the transmission or receiving of child pornography or harmful material, fraud or downloading copyrighted materials.

 

Bulletin Board Restrictions

Displays, Exhibits, Bulletin Board:
All items to be displayed and posted must be approved by the Director. Ordinarily, any community event can have bulletin board space, providing the poster is not too large.
Signs, posters, displays and decorations may be put up as long as they are removed promptly after the program or event is over.

No political or religious materials.

No business ads.

 

Exam Proctoring Policy

The Library may proctor exams for any student, subject to availability of authorized staff. A minimum of three weeks advance notice is required before any test will be proctored. In addition, all test taking requirements must be received from the issuing educational institution before any tests are taken. If you would like to arrange for the Library to proctor an exam, please call 334-738-2760

The Library charges $1.00 per page for any items to be faxed.

 

Safe-Child Policy

Parents and Guardians:

We are glad to have you and your child as library users. We hope the wide variety of materials and services that we provide will meet your library needs.

Children under age 12 must be accompanied by a responsible adult (age 18 or older) at ALL times while in the library. Responsible adult must be present inside the library.

All patrons will be expected to display appropriate behavior, conductive to maintaining a peaceful atmosphere while in the building.

PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS, NOT THE LIBRARY STAFF, ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ACTIONS AND SAFETY OF CHILDREN VISITING THE LIBRARY.

 

Cell Phone Policy

Cell phones must be silenced in the Library. Use of cell phones by library patrons while inside the Library is prohibited unless otherwise permitted by staff